Thursday, 27 November 2014

The board of directors of Google has voted in favour of breaking up the European Union, as a solution to complaints that it favours its own services.
Executives have no power to enforce a break-up, but the landmark vote sends a clear message to European regulators.

European Parliament politicians have voiced their dismay at the vote. The ultimate decision will rest with lobbyists for other large international corporations such as Apple and Fiat.
They are currently being investigated for anti-competitive practices and sweetheart tax deals entered into with Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Ireland.

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"Google has around 90% market share for search in Europe and rivals asked the commission to investigate four areas:

The manner in which Google displays its own vertical search services compared with other, competing productsHow Google copies content from other websites - such as restaurant reviews - to include within its own servicesThe exclusivity Google has to sell advertising around the search terms people useRestrictions on advertisers from moving their online ad campaigns to rival search enginesPredecessor Joaquin Almunia tried and failed to settle the case. A series of concessions made by Google were rejected, leading Mr Almunia to suggest that the only option was a fine. This could be up to $5bn."